But how do his comments compare to remarks made in previous State of the Union addresses, and what changes have taken place since?

Take a look at our table to find out.

What he said in 2013

Current state of play

What he’s said before

Debt and deficits

“Yes, the biggest driver of our long-term debt is the rising cost of health care for an ageing population.. But we can’t ask senior citizens and working families to shoulder the entire burden of deficit reduction while asking nothing more from the wealthiest and most powerful."

The 2012 deficit was $US1.1 trillion, with ten-year deficits of $US7-$US9.5 trillion; no major Medicare Medicaid or Social Security reforms adopted.

2012: “As I told the Speaker this summer, I’m prepared to make more reforms that rein in the long-term costs of Medicare and Medicaid, and strengthen Social Security, so long as those programs remain a guarantee of security for seniors."

Jobs and growth

“Our economy is adding jobs – but too many people still can’t find full-time employment. Corporate profits have rocketed to all-time highs – but for more than a decade, wages and incomes have barely budged.It is our generation’s task, then, to reignite the true engine of America’s economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class."

The US economy grew 1.5 per cent in the year to the December quarter; unemployment remains high at 7.9 per cent.

2011: “We are poised for progress. Two years after the worst recession most of us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back. Corporate profits are up. The economy is growing again."

Tax reform

“Over the last few years, both parties have worked together to reduce the deficit by more than $US2.5 trillion – mostly through spending cuts, but also by raising tax rates on the wealthiest 1 per cent of Americans. As a result, we are more than halfway towards the goal of $US4 trillion in deficit reduction that economists say we need to stabilise our finances. Now we need to finish the job. And the question is, how?"

2012: “Tax reform should follow the Buffett Rule. If you make more than $1 million a year, you should not pay less than 30 per cent in taxes ... On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year, like 98 per cent of American families, your taxes shouldn’t go up."

Guns

“Our actions will not prevent every senseless act of violence in this country. Indeed, no laws, no initiatives, no administrative acts will perfectly solve all the challenges I’ve outlined tonight. But we were never sent here to be perfect. We were sent here to make what difference we can, to secure this nation, expand opportunity, and uphold our ideals through the hard, often frustrating, but absolutely necessary work of self-government.

Reforms proposed to toughen background checks and renew ban on military-style rifles after the Sandy Hook school shootings.

No comments in first term.

Immigration

“Our economy is stronger when we harness the talents and ingenuity of striving, hopeful immigrants. And right now, leaders from the business, labour, law enforcement, and faith communities all agree that the time has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform."

No legislation passed; administrative reforms implemented to allow undocumented immigrants who came as children and have clean records to stay and study; wider reforms proposed this session.

2011: “Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration. And I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows."

Climate change

“I urge this Congress to pursue a bipartisan, market-based solution to climate change, like the one John McCain and Joe Lieberman worked on together a few years ago. But if Congress won’t act soon to protect future generations, I will. I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future..."